As a coach of 11 and 12 year olds, all I ask is that the umpire is consistent and know the rules. With kids that young, more than likely you'll have to expand the strike zone a little. Let the coaches know that in the meeting before the game. If both coaches know what to expect you won't have a problem. Where you run into trouble is when every call is all over the place.
If you're working by yourself, get out from behind the plate on plays at the bases. There's nothing more frustrating than an umpire who makes a call at second while he's standing behind the plate.
Lastly, and maybe as important as anything else, look like you want to be there. Don't show up in shorts and a t-shirt. If you work the game looking like a major league umpire you'll get a ton of respect. If you look like you're there just to get paid, that's how you'll get treated.
At the end of the day, HAVE FUN!!
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